A new study reports on the introduction of what may be a better diagnostic tool for fibromyalgia. A pain index and a symptom severity scale may make more diagnoses and treatment possible. A 19 point checklist allows the person to check off their areas of pain. And a symptom severity scale addresses cognitive issues, fatigue and pain, three major areas for fibromyalgia.
"Until now, diagnosing the widespread pain disorder relied mainly on “tender point” exams or tenderness to the touch at 11 or more of 18 specified tender points and widespread pain in all four quadrants of the body for three months."
It is hoped that this new tool diagnostic tool for fibromyalgia will be a more accurate guage and help more people. And it is hoped that more doctors, not just rheumatologists, will be able to use it for making a diagnosis. Previously, the tender point exams was something many doctors were not comfortable performing. The new tool will allow doctors to make a diagnosis without having to deal with a tender point exam.
http://www.webmd.com/fibromyalgia/news/20100526/a-new-way-of-diagnosing-fibromyalgia?ecd=wnl_day_052710